It's Difficult

. . . to see your child on the edge of a battle.  Even when the battle is necessary.  It's difficult not to fly in and fight the battle for your child, because you are an enraged Mama Bear.  But most difficult of all is knowing that you have to --- must --- let your child fight that battle.  It goes against all the love in your body.  But children need to learn that they are strong and tough and self-reliant.  It's just difficult to watch and wait.

These boots fascinate me.  I can't figure out how the flowers are on the leather.  It's like some sort of silver leaf, or something.